NKCAA emergency rental assistance in Carter County, KY

Northeast Kentucky Community Action Agency (NKCAA) is a major social services organization in a five county footprint of NE Kentucky. While typical services are provided to Boyd, Elliott, Greenup and Lawrence Counties, it is the innovative emergency assistance program in Carter County that provides lasting social impact on the community.

Carter County Community Services for Help Program

Nearly every social aid program across the country consists of either providing cash handouts or teaching people how to become self-sufficient. NKCAA’s emergency assistance program goes a step further.

The agency does provide cash assistance. It provides case management. Educational programs are also a part of its offerings.

The difference is that recipients of emergency cash assistance are expected to participate in the agency’s community service projects. By providing community service, you are not just taking a handout. You are actually earning your benefit by paying it forward to someone else who also may be in need. This is a great option especially for someone who has recently found themselves out of work or having reduced hours.

Emergency rental assistance in Carter County is provided to eligible households that are willing to repay their aid through sweat equity. It simply means that you can get cash assistance towards your rent, and you can offer a few hours of public service as a way of thanking the community for giving you the housing grant.

While late rent is one of the more common needs, many clients also request help with utility bills. A combination rent/utility bill grant can help you repay old balances so that you are no longer delinquent and at risk of eviction or of utility disconnection.

It is important to note that this is a need-based program with an emphasis on emergency assistance. You will need to demonstrate how you have recently experienced a financial crisis that is now causing serious economic hardship on your household. Examples could include changes to your job, an injury or even a recent major repair that has caused you to be short on cash.

For more information on how you may be able to benefit from the Carter County Community Services for Help Program, call NKCAA at 606-286-4443.

Additional Services

NKCAA is committed to helping families throughout its service area. That means families in Boyd, Carter, Elliott, Greenup and Lawrence Counties may benefit from several other programs that can improve financial security.

Weatherproofing is one common need that can help lower electric bills. The agency provides bill credits to eligible households as a part of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Even donations are distributed to clients needing help paying their existing utility bills. Donations are distributed through the WinterCare program.

If you would like to find out more about how NKCAA might be able to help your family, contact NKCAA at 606-286-4443.